UK Biosciences and Europe

Life science research, innovation and training in the UK, and the work of life scientists, happen in an increasingly international context. The interactions of the UK scientific community with European neighbours, and the European Union (EU), are complex and include matters of research funding, regulation, translation, mobility, collaborations and scientific advice.

This page provides links to a selection of resources with information relevant to the European and EU context for UK life sciences. Click on the links below to go directly to:

News and recent updates

RSB speaks out against the dangers of a no-deal BrexitThe Royal Society of Biology and other sector leaders have said that they “collectively fear the destructive effects of a no-deal Brexit”, in a letter published 17 January 2019 by the Independent.The letter, signed by a number of chief executives and directors from organisations and learned societies spanning science, engineering, law, healthcare, energy and business, states that a no deal exit would “adversely affect the UK economy” and urges politicians to “unite to avert a UK-wide crisis.”

RSB briefs MPs taking part in debate on Brexit, Science and Innovation

On 6 September 2018, a debate was held in the House of Commons on the subject of Brexit, Science and Innovation. Ahead of this, the RSB wrote to MPs to brief them on the fundamental needs that are of vital importance for the UK bioscience community to achieve our potential. Our briefing covered the need for and importance of:- ongoing, active and clear communication from Government, through the Brexit process and beyond- ready access to EU and global networks, funding and expertise- simple, efficient and consistent operation in attracting highly skilled people to the UK, from all skill, qualification and professional levels- support for necessary common standards and frameworks to enable collaboration and trade with the EU, with any divergence only considered following detailed community consultationSeveral MPs thanked the RSB for providing this information and, during the debate, MPs Stephen Metcalfe and Chi Onwurah voiced the RSB's call for swift and clear communication from Government.

UK science must be protected in wake of EU Referendum (24 June 2016)Today's Referendum outcome will result in the UK leaving the European Union. There will now be a period of uncertainty in many areas of UK policy, including bioscience research and practice, and its funding, until new decisions are made or existing arrangements confirmed.

Consultation responses

The Royal Society of Biology (RSB) has contributed to a number of recent government consultations and parliamentary inquiries exploring the impact of the EU on UK science, the regulation of the life sciences, and GM foods. The reports from these inquiries, alongside evidence provided by a number of other organisations, are available in the following sections.

Government balance of competences reviews

In July 2012 a review of the balance of competences between the EU and the UK was launched by the UK Government, to audit what the EU does and how it affects the UK. A total of 32 reports were produced covering specific areas of EU competence.

Blogs

The RSB hosts a multi author blog covering a wide array of topics and issues including discovery science, professional practice and training, and policy. Articles reflect the understanding and views of the author and not necessarily of the RSB.

Two recent postings are relevant to the issues covered on this page:

Biosciences and Brexit - by Deborah Roebuck, PhD student at Imperial College London and BBSRC Science Policy Fellow at the Royal Society of Biology during 2015.

The "EU effect" on our environment - by Matt Turley, PhD student at the University of Brighton and NERC Science Policy Fellow at the Royal Society of Biology during 2016.

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